Remy: Spotlight meant to soften up population

FEDERATION of Independent Trade Unions and NGOs (Fitun) president Joseph Remy said Monday’s Spotlight on the Budget and the Economy 2021 was an attempt by the Prime Minister, Finance Minister and Permanent Secretary to present data to soften what would be coming in the budget.

Remy told Newsday from Finance Minister Colm Imbert’s presentation he was putting into the public domain that Government does not intend to cut public servant jobs.

“But they will definitely introduce taxation measures to bring some revenue.” He said Government cannot continue to run a deficit budget so increased taxes will come.

“I hope it will not put an additional strain on the purchasing power of people by reducing the value of their dollar.”

Remy said in this economic environment people will not be getting salary increases, and it will be difficult for trade unions clamouring for increases in this time.

He expressed hope Government would accept some of the recommendations of the trade union movement to stimulate economic activity.

He said one of the recommendations was for the establishment of a development fund to strengthen small and medium industries and to create employment. He also said Government should embrace the cooperative business model in creative industries.

On reducing the burden of foreign exchange Remy said there should be a situation where a lot of local consumption takes place. “This will allow funds to stay internally as well as generate and bring economic activity. These are the things we are looking for from the budget presentation (on October 5).”

Remy, however, anticipated there will be some “hard times” for the country for the next year. He also said in his capacity as president of Co-operative Credit Union League he continued to advocate for the office of the Commissioner of Co-operative Development to be properly staffed.